Hurt
Pastor Jason If you missed Sunday’s Sermon
Read or listen to Ownership – You Can’t Blame Your Way To Freedom (Freeway, Week 4)
Devotion 3
Hurt is a common experience. We are hurt by others. And we hurt others. And in any experience of hurt, every person involved has some contribution to the hurt. The question is this: Will we own the way(s) we contribute to the hurt?
With that in mind, let’s reflect a little.
What are the most common ways that you hurt others?
- I demand that my needs be met by others
- I use blame and shame to emotionally hurt others (maybe without realizing it)
- I label others with negative traits
- I make decisions without regard to the consequences
- I pretend to agree with others to get what I want
- I express negativity in indirect and passive ways (could be through words or body language)
- I use indirect and evasive communication to avoid conflict
- I withhold expressions of appreciation
- Other ways: _____________________________________
Would you justify any of these behaviors? If so, how?
What are the most common ways that you hurt yourself?
- I minimize or deny how I truly feel
- I mask my pain in anger, humor, or isolation
- I am embarrassed to receive recognition, praise, or gifts
- I accept sexual attention when I really want love
- I am afraid to express my opinions when they differ from those of others
- I have trouble setting healthy priorities and/or boundaries
- I am extremely loyal, remaining in harmful situations to long
- I avoid emotional, physical, or sexual intimacy to keep my distance
- I believe displays or emotion are a sign of weakness
- Others ways: _____________________________________
Would you justify any of these behaviors? If so, how?
Consider spending some time reflection on the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32. What are some ways that you see the two sons in the story hurting others and hurting themselves? Do you see yourself represented in any of their words or actions? And remember: God’s arms are open to you right now just as they are to each of these two sons in the story.
As you think back over Sunday’s Message, your small group time and/or the devotions this week, what are you learning about yourself? What are you learning about God? Offer a short and simple prayer that summarize what you are learning and give thanks for however God is working in your life right now.
God’s Words for This Week
Genesis 3:8-13 – The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit from the tree, and I ate.” … The woman said, “The serpent tricked me, and I ate.” (NRSV, v.12-13)
Galatians 6:4-5 – Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life. (The Message, v.4-5)
John 5:2-9 – Jesus said to him, “Stand up, take your mat and walk.” (CEB, v.7)
This Week at Hood
Monday, October 2, 3:30 pm – Women’s Circle 1 Small Group
Monday, October 2, 6:30 pm – Women’s Circle 2 Small Group
Wednesday, October 4, 4:30 pm – Prayer & Inspiration
Wednesday, October 4, 6:00 pm – Young-ish Adult Small Group (ages 25-45)
Wednesday, October 4, 6:45 pm – Choir Practice
Thursday, October 5, 12 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm – Pastor Jason at The Cellar for Drop-In Coffee & Conversation (108 N Wilson St)
Friday, October 6, 6:00 pm – One Homeless Night Concert at Stewart Theater
Sunday, October 8, 9:15 am – Christian Men’s Fellowship Breakfast at Cracker Barrel (Dunn)
Sunday, October 8, 11:00 am – Worship – Forgiveness: Holding On Keeps Us From Moving On
Coming Soon…
Sunday, October 22 – Homecoming – Invite Family and Friends (worship & lunch afterwards)
Saturday, November 4 – Cotton Festival
Sunday, November 19, 9:30 am – Church-Wide Thanksgiving Breakfast
Sunday, November 19, 6:30 pm – Community Thanksgiving (hosted at Hood MCC)